Cord Blood

What is cord blood? Should we store Baby Louisa's cord blood when she's born? We know that the stem cells from cord blood can help save lifes, but there are still many things about cord blood (and cord blood banking) that we don't really know. There are many brochures we can read up on, but that's it...the info is just....a lot. Have to eliminate the "noise" from the real info.

Then there's also info about which cord blood bank to store it, should we decide to store. In Singapore, there are two private cord blood bank (CordLIfe and StemCord) and only one public cord blood bank (Singapore Cord Blood Bank). We have quite a few questions of our own...Why should we store Baby Louisa's cord blood? Do we have other alternatives? (we can choose to donate the cord blood, if we don't store it). How much would it cost us? What are the differences between storing in a private and a public cord blood bank? Which private cord blood bank to go for? There are just so much to think about and consider (finances included).

If we choose not to store or donate Baby Louisa's cord blood, it would be thrown away. That would be a waste, afterall, the cord blood can potentially save lives. We could use the Baby Bonus to pay for the annual storage fees. That would help a lot...

To store or to donate...that is the question.

Transition...Becoming A Father

Daddy's thoughts:-

Like many things in life, we are in a perpetual state of transition.

The caterpillar spends a portion of its life feasting on fresh leaves before becoming a pupua where it hardly moves. Then it metamorphosizes into a butterfly.

The butterfly, should it desire to, can never become a caterpillar again. The reality is that the past is best thought of as being over even if memories allow us to relive the past. We must therefore be mindful that we are in transition and that each phase will past us by.

Some common transitions: not working to working to no need to work (hopefully)

: child to adult ("really meh?" my wife would ask)
: no degrees to more degrees (eyesight)
: no degree to degrees (the paper chase)

Some transitions are specical. Becoming a father.

What does it mean to "become"

To become means you must not be there initially. One must develop the characteristics to have become.

Mummy's thoughts:-

Daddy is taking a long time to complete this post. It's an interesting point, providing a different perspective to the whole meaning of "preparing for Baby's arrival". However, Daddy is too busy to complete the post. So I'm just publishing it first...heehee....

It's Just Amazing

Mummy's thoughts:-

It's just amazing,...

...to be carrying another life within you.

...when this life within you, kicks and moves.

...when this life within you, kicks and moves, and you see your whole belly "vibrate" / move like jello / become distorted.

Baby Louisa has been kicking, punching, stretching a lot lately (that's good!). I can see my belly shake and lumps will form (up and down and across the belly). Sometimes, my belly resembles a drum, and Baby Louisa's limbs are the drumsticks beating on the skin.

The final lap

Mummy's thoughts:-

Last week (about the time I started this blog) marks the start of the 3rd trimester. The 3rd trimester is between week 28 to week 40. Yup, It's another 13 more weeks.... :-)

Now I'm in week 29 (12 more weeks to go). The past 28 weeks or so has been fun (despite some discomforts). Overall, I enjoy being pregnant. Pregnancy does have its priviledges. You get seats on MRTs and buses. Those who don't give up their seats to you, will be thoroughly embarassed. Yes, I walk slower now, but that gives me the time to reflect about things as I walk to my destination. I actually have the time to observe the things happening around me, take in the sights, smell the flowers...

I doubt I would have gone through the first 27 weeks so happily, if it not for God, Baby Louisa and Daddy. Thank God that things went well in the pregnancy. Thank God for Baby Louisa - a constant reminder that she's a gift from Him. That's our inspiration. She keeps us (me) going. Whenever I feel stressed out, I'll talk to her and we'll encourage each other to be strong and to keep going. "We can do this together..." (that's our phrase for each other). Daddy - without him, I won't have my healthy food (he keeps reminding me to eat healthily for Baby Louisa). Daddy is someone who will reach for the stuff I can't reach, move the heavy stuff, get me whatever I need....and do housework. Thank you Daddy! :-)

Now, it's sit back, relax and countdown to Baby Louisa's arrival....

While I Was Sleeping

Mummy's thoughts:-

Yesterday, Daddy told me how he did a spot check on Baby Louisa the night before...Daddy was already sleeping (I of course, was deep in la la land long ago). Suddenly, Daddy woke up. I had apparently turned and slept on my side. For some reason, Daddy just placed his hand on my belly (side). Suddenly Baby Louisa kicked daddy's hand....very hard (according to daddy). hahahahha....so cute! I think Daddy got a shock too...Baby Louisa was not asleep! hahaha.

Not sure if Daddy spoke to her...If he did, I think Baby Louisa must have thought "oopss...I got caught by Daddy...". hahahahaha. I was deep in dreamland...that I didn't wake up even when she kicked so hard. Makes me wonder how the inside of my belly is feeling (bruised? hahaha). But one thing for sure, she's definitely moving lots even when I'm fast asleep.

Prayer to St Gerard

St. Gerard Majella, religious, is the patron of expectant mothers. He was born at Muro, Italy, in 1726 and joined the Redemptorists at the age of 23, becoming a professed lay brother in 1752. He served as sacristan, gardener, porter, infirmarian, and tailor. However, because of his great piety, extraordinary wisdom, and his gift of reading consciences, he was permitted to counsel communities of religious women.

This humble servant of God also had the faculties of levitation and bi-location associated with certain mystics. His charity, obedience, and selfless service as well as his ceaseless mortification for Christ, made him the perfect model of lay brothers. He was afflicted with tuberculosis and died in 1755 at the age of twenty-nine.

This great saint is invoked as a patron of expectant mothers as a result of a miracle effected through his prayers for a woman in labor.

Feast Day: October 16

Prayer for safe delivery:
O Great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted Child of the Mother of God: enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love. O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the Patron and Protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Well travelled Baby Louisa

Mummy's thoughts:-

Yes, Baby Louisa is well travelled...that's because she has active parents...parents who just love to travel. hahahaha.

When Baby Louisa was in week 6, we went Melbourne. Well, we had bought our tickets and made our travel arrangements before we found out we were expecting...so...can't be helped. :-) The good thing was, I had no major morning sickness (only nausea - which took a while to get used to, and the aching joints), so I was able to enjoy myself at Melbourne. hehs...

When Baby Louisa was in week 26, we went Krabi. Everybody was asking us "You mean you can still travel?" Hey, I needed a break from work and to rest and relax. Besides, that would be the last travel we can take, as 2 persons...with 1 bag. Next time, there will be more bags, filled with Baby Louisa's stuff. The only thing was, I could not go for body massages in Krabi. Oh well....

Krabi was nice and relaxing. I did quite a bit or exercising, climbing slopes and stairs (there is no such thing as an elevator in beach resorts....and our suite was on the 3rd floor of the block right at the top of the hill...) and swimming. It was nice.

Thank God for the good trip and for keeping us all safe.

I think Baby Louisa would be an active babe. We shall see...

FTS

Mummy's thoughts:-

I remember that day when I went for the scheduled FTS (First Trimester Screening) during week 11. The FTS is a test that would show the risk of having a child with Down Syndrome. Well, I'm below 35 yrs old, so technically, that risk is low. But well, always good to have a check, so we can be mentally prepared for things, should they not be what we expect.

That day, Daddy couldn't make it at the scheduled timing. He still had class. But Daddy had promised he will zoom down to the hospital once class ended.

The screening was also a good chance to see Baby Louisa up close (magnified)....heehee...she was so cute! Could see her arms and legs...and she sort of "waved" (moved arms up and down).

However, the whole screening took over an hour...because Baby Louisa wasn't in the correct position to screen anything informative! She had her back to us! Not only that, she had to be lying down (horizontal) in order for the gynae to check the Nuchal Translucency of her neck. But Baby Louisa was in vertical position! Haiz....Have to wait for her to turn down a bit...hopefully she moves, if not, I'll have to wait and wait and wait.

Waited half an hour (did blood test etc while waiting)...went into gynae's office again (2nd time). Nope, still in upright position. Ok, waited again...3rd time in gynae's office...NO! Now she's moved...but she had her back to us! What can we see from her back view??? Oh my goodness...Naughty girl.

I decided to just relax at The Private Suite area - drink Milo, read mags...and talk to Baby Louisa. Had to tell her to be cooperative...and that Daddy was on his way (by then, Daddy had finished his class and was on his way down from Woodlands).

Finally, Daddy arrived. And just in time too! Daddy had just sat down on the comfy sofa when the nurse called for me again (the 4th time). We went in. This time...voila! Baby Louisa was in the correct position! Hmmmm....strange. Was she waiting for Daddy all this while? Coz she wanted Daddy to be able to see her too? Or was she "afraid" of Daddy...such that she decided to be cooperative once Daddy was around? hahahha...

Well, everything was done quickly, now that Baby Louisa was in the correct position. The gynae was so nice. He actually apologised for keeping us waiting. Hahaha. It was Baby Louisa that kept all of us (except Daddy) waiting! Well, she's entitled to do so...

Second Trimester

Mummy's thoughts:-
The first trimester went by quite smoothly (in my opinion). And then I entered into the most energetic phase of the whole pregnancy - the second trimester!!

I started feeling Baby Louisa's movements around Week 16. The movements felt like gas (or bubbles) in the stomach/intestine area (like on days when I have a bad tummy and need to visit the throne). Being a first time mummy, I wasn't sure if what I felt was really gas or Baby Louisa's movements. Call it Women's Intuition if you would, or Maternal Instinct, but I was quite sure they were Baby Louisa's movements. :-)

By Week 20 when we had that detailed scan (and found out Baby's gender), the movements were getting much stronger and more frequent. By Week 23, I was really getting kicked. The kicks were hard and sudden. I could tell when Baby Louisa was flipping and moving around inside and when she was kicking/stretching out her hands. It felt fun...and it's such a priviledge...because Daddy doesn't get to experience it! hahahaha...

It was also during the second trimester that I went out and bought most of the baby stuff that we needed. Thank God for that Taka Baby Fair which was held during that period (Aug - Sep). Managed to get quite a number of items and save some $$ too. I bought some new clothes for Baby Louisa, a sterilizer, a breast pump (I plan to breastfeed totally, so I'm prepping myself for it), diapers, nursing pillow, cotton wool and cotton balls...etc. And for all that spending, Taka gave us a rocking horse! Hahaha...something for Baby Louisa to play with when she's a bit older...

I also signed us up for the Antenatal Classes at Thomson Medical Centre. Yup, we're NOT delivering Baby Louisa at Thomson, but I heard that the classes conducted by Mrs. Wong at TMC are GOOD (it's true). I wanted us to attend her classes.

Basically, I totally enjoyed the second trimester. Did quite a bit of shopping, walking around (exercise), swimming and settled most of the baby stuff that we needed. We even went travelling. The second trimester is the best time...

Oh, and I had NO food cravings (lucky Daddy)! :-) I went back to eating my fish and vege (now I like them...hehs)

Detailed Scan

This is Baby Louisa. Taken during the detailed scan at Week 20. We were able to see the structure of her head...











Hello Baby Louisa!! *waves*

First Trimester

Mummy's thoughts:

Was it easy? Well, I must say, I've been lucky. The first trimester (especially for a first-time mum) is never easy. But I have been lucky. Throughout the first trimester, I have had feelings of nausea, but no vomitting. (That, according to almost everybody, is VERY good...). While I had some slight aversions to certain foods such as fish, vege and sweet stuff, I am able to keep whatever I ate, in. Good...There was also no spotting or bleeding. Thank God.

The only "symptoms" I didn't like about the first trimester, were (i) the aching joints (hip joint and aches in the legs, to be specific), and (ii) the extreme fatigue (I fell asleep anywhere, any time).

We were advised by the GP to just go for a gynae visit first to ensure that everything is ok. The very first visit to the gynae was an exciting one...We didn't know what to expect. But we sure had lots of questions prepared. I still remember that day. I'm in the 5th week of pregnancy. I was waiting excitedly for my appointment time. Would an ultrasound scan be carried out? What will I see? It was raining heavily that day. As it turned out, Daddy was not able to make it to the clinic on time. He missed this first gynae visit. But it's ok...

Subsequently, we decided on a gynae at the KK Hospital. Hence, our subsequent visits were at KKH. And Daddy made it to each gynae visit! Especially on those days when he had to rush down from Woodlands (where his place of work is located). It seemed as though our precious little babe knew, and wanted Daddy to be able to see her (then, babe was referred to as "it"). He was always just on time!

It was an absolutely amazing feeling - indescribable - when I first saw the heartbeat on the screen (during the 7th week). That tiny, blinking blip on the screen is the heartbeat. Awwwww.....Baby was just a little sac then. But that didn't prevent Daddy from talking to Baby. Hehs...

The start of the pregnancy journey

It all started with me (the mummy) feeling extremely tired everyday. Regardless what time I hit the sack, I'll almost definitely be nodding off (in front of the PC) in office at 9am. [I start work at 7am]. Sometimes, I wouldn't even realise that I have nodded off...until I suddenly "wake up" on my own. "Oh, you meant I dozed off? oooopssss...."

Colleagues were beginning to wonder what was wrong with me. "Moonlighting at night, perhaps?" (yeah, times are bad...)

Then, there was this gut feel. You have to hand it to the Women's Intuition. It is just so darn accurate. A DIY home test kit and a visit to the GP confirmed it. We're expecting!! 3.5 months into our newly married life.

Did we expect this? Yeah, kind of. :-) We're just glad and thankful that God has blessed us with this gift. We used to ask ourselves, when will we have kids? Our answer will always be..."When He feels we're ready". I guess He knows best...

You Are My Everything

This post marks the start of our blog together...for our precious little babe. I (the mummy) have been blogging about Baby Louisa on my own personal blogs, but I decided to create a dedicated one for Baby Louisa (and her subsequent siblings). Hence the title "Our Inspiration".

Yes, most folks will start from when they found out that they are expecting a baby. Well, we'll be different and start from this point forth, recap our first "pregnancy journey" from when we discovered we're going to be parents, and the anticipation that is building up as we prepare for Baby Louisa's arrival in a couple of months.

The journey begins...